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Comcast to shutter AZN

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NEW YORK -- Comcast Corp. will shut down AZN Television, its English-language network targeting Asian Americans, in April because it couldn't make the channel work financially.

But the cable giant reiterated its commitment to serving this demographic. A spokeswoman said Comcast still will offer 11 networks and two VOD services for Asian Americans.

AZN's Asian Excellence Awards show this year will move to Comcast's E! Entertainment network, she added.

"AZN Television's last day of broadcasting will be April 9," the company said Friday. "This difficult decision was made after considerable review of the network's financial situation."

Comcast acquired the Colorado-based network in 2004 as part of a larger transaction with Liberty Media. It had over the years tried to make it work with some staff cuts and investments in original programming.

AZN had trouble getting broader distribution beyond about 13.9 million homes mainly in Comcast. It also didn't manage to attract enough advertising revenue.

Some of the AZN staff of about 15 could find employment in other Comcast operations, a spokeswoman said.

Comcast said it "remains committed to supporting the Asian-American community through programming, civic and cultural events."